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The other day I was exchanging voice notes with a dear friend of mine. She was apologising – as seems to be the modern way, for not keeping in touch. I reminded her that as a primary school teacher and mother of fourchildren, she had every reason to be preoccupied with what was in front of her! We talked about the fact that perhaps it’s ok to not be in touch so much – that maybe, human beings aren’t designed to keep in meaningful contact with so many people, even if technology suggests it’s possible. But it’s easier to reassure a friend than to let myself off the hook. A lot of my messages start in that most English of ways, with ‘sorry’ - apologising for not being fast enough; for letting emails linger – oh the shame! 

For me, modern life, especially in connection with the internet, is a quick recipe for mental overwhelm. My search engine suggests articles I might like to read, my music streaming app constantly offers songs I might want to hear, and impressions of images, sounds, comments and opinions linger and echo in my mind, long after I’ve scrolled on to the next thing. This morning I woke up and before I’d even gotten out of bed the thoughts were firing. I sat up, closed my eyes and started to breathe. Inhaling, exhaling, listening to the sound of my breath, that steady rhythm that’s been my constant companion since day one. 

In the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior Arjuna describes the mind as ‘restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong.’ ‘And to subdue it,’ he says, ‘seems more difficult than controlling the wind.’ I feel it. Sometimes it’s like gale force 10 up there. Krishna, Arjuna’s friend and teacher, replies that only by constant practice and detachment, can the mind be brought under control, allowing one to see the self and understand the path to true fulfilment. I’m thinking about that right now – constant practice and detachment – not just half heartedly, now and again…as committedly as I brush my teeth! Practice, means I’ll keep trying, trying and trying again, because I care about my wellbeing, and being in good shape to serve others…and detachment…well, that’s something I’m working on. Right after I work my way today’s stack of text messages…